Extended Profile

Semyon Rimer, born in 1960, was an engineer by profession. He joined JDC Odessa in 2000. Rimer headed the JDC Odessa Welfare Department for four years, spent a year as the Chief Auditor, and was then appointed the Director of the Finance Department. According to his co-workers, he prided himself on living modestly. Semyon was totally dedicated to his work. He was well known for his brilliant, analytical mind. His memos were a masterpiece of brevity and succinctness, and his mathematical skills were legendary. While he had prepared himself for a career during the period of communism, he adapted quickly to the new reality of the post-communist society and economy. Although Semyon had no formal Jewish education, he was very aware of his Jewishness, and he made a conscious career choice to work for a Jewish organization.

Semyon Rimer lost his life in an automobile accident while on official JDC business. He is survived by his wife, who holds a PhD and lectures in music at the Odessa Conservatory, a son who recently qualified as an attorney, and an elderly mother.